Full-Time Equivalent Calculator
Full-time equivalent converts total workload hours into an equivalent number of full-time positions using a user-specified standard weekly schedule.
How to use this calculator
- Enter total hours of work needed per week and the standard number of paid hours represented by one FTE.
- Check the labels and units before applying the result to a real task.
- Change one input at a time when comparing scenarios.
Formula and method
FTE = total weekly workload hours ÷ standard weekly hours per FTE
- FTE = total weekly workload hours ÷ standard weekly hours per FTE
- FTE is a workload unit, not an automatic hiring recommendation. Leave, shift coverage, contracted hours, peaks and local employment rules are not included.
Worked examples
Worked example
A team has 160 workload hours per week and the standard FTE schedule is 40 hours.
FTE = 160/40 = 4.0 full-time equivalents.
FTE = 160/40 = 4.0 full-time equivalents.
Understanding the result
Full-time equivalent converts total workload hours into an equivalent number of full-time positions using a user-specified standard weekly schedule.
FTE is a workload unit, not an automatic hiring recommendation. Leave, shift coverage, contracted hours, peaks and local employment rules are not included.
Important notes
FTE is a workload unit, not an automatic hiring recommendation. Leave, shift coverage, contracted hours, peaks and local employment rules are not included.
Displayed values are rounded for readability; retain appropriate precision when continuing a calculation.
Frequently asked questions
Is one FTE always 40 hours?
No. The standard schedule varies by employer, jurisdiction and role. Enter the relevant standard for your comparison.
Can an FTE count be fractional?
Yes. For example, 20 hours on a 40-hour standard equals 0.5 FTE.
Does FTE tell me how many people to roster?
Not by itself. Shift coverage, leave, availability, required skills and demand timing can mean the headcount differs from the FTE total.
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This page provides a calculation tool plus explanatory information so you can understand what the result means and when the underlying method may not fit your situation.